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44
School Meals Service are inadequate and substandard. A result
of this survey has been that two kitchens, not built owing to the
building restrictions imposed during the previous year, have been
placed high on the list of Essex major projects for the School Meals
Service for 1958. A kitchen and dining hall for the Sidney Burnell
Secondary Modern School were considered such urgent necessities
that permission was given for work to commence almost immediately.
Minor improvements have continued to be made in schools to
improve service and washing up facilities. The survey report
indicated that the food value of the meals and the standard of
cooking were quite satisfactory. However, rising food costs during
the year created some difficulties.
"Half-yearly contracts for the supply of all foodstuffs were
completed following the receipt of competitive tenders.
"The gradual changeover to new type dining furniture was
continued."
Welfare.
"During the past year £552 was spent on the supply of clothing
for necessitous children to enable them to attend school and 50,267
meals free of cost were supplied to 343 children."
Welfare Foods for Schoolchildren under Five Years.
In acordance with the decision of the appropriate Ministries,
Head Teachers were notified in November that the supply of orange
juice had been discontinued after the second birthday. No change
was made in regard to the supply of cod liver oil for consumption
at schools in addition to the normal home supply of welfare foods.
The permitted quantity available for schools for each child under
five remains at one 6-oz. bottle each three months.
Inspection.—Mr. W. Richards, Chief Public Health Inspector,
reports as follows:—
" During 1957 the following inspections were carried out
Schools 61 School kitchens 71
"Various types of defects were found as a result of these
inspections; those of a minor character being reported direct to the
Education Architect.
"Major defects found included insufficient sanitary accommodation
and washing accommodation. These were reported through
the School Medical Officer to the Borough Education Officer.
"Unsatisfactory conditions mainly in respect of food handling
and equipment were found in the school kitchens. Advice and
instructions were given to staff in respect of these matters.